Green Roofs

What is a green roof?

A green roof is essentially the growing of plants on our roof tops. This has been done for hundreds of years all over the world. There are many benefits from green roofs including:

• Insulation - making buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• Run-off attenuation - thus providing flood mitigation.
• Water quality treatment through passive treatment processes.
• Air quality treatment through ozone depletion and CO₂  uptake.
• Provision of habitat to conserve biodiversity.
• Increased life expectancy of the roof surface from approximately 30-70 years.
• Provision of amenity if access is enabled.
• Waste minimisation when waste brick is used as part of the green roof substrate.
• Health benefits through the provision of amenity, improved air quality and reduced 'Urban Heat Island' effects.

What is the Scottish Green Roof Forum?

The Scottish Green Roof Forum (SGRF) aims to promote the use and benefits of green roofs thereby helping to support sustainable development in Scotland. The Forum has been established as an entity since early 2009. The Scottish Government, SEPA, Scottish Natural Heritage and representatives from the private sector were brought together to establish and support the Forum.

The SGRF mission statement reads:

To promote green roofs within Scotland as a sustainable development technique, by providing opportunity for discussion and influence at all levels of interest.

The SGRF website provides further information at www.sgrf.org